Fuel up busy shoppers with healthier convenience foods

In 1930, English economist John Maynard Keynes famously predicted that his grandchildren would work about three hours a day. Today’s professionals, parents and students balk at this misaligned forecast. A 15-hour work week? Ha! A 2014 Gallup study found that American adults employed full time work an average of 47 hours per week—nearly a whole workday longer than the 9-to-5 standard. Indeed, consumers are busier than ever, which can make preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner from scratch a harrowing ordeal.

So what does this mean for natural retailers? It could mean expanding in-store foodservice options like premade salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts. But convenience shouldn’t stop there. Given the groundswell of smart, innovative brands now offering time-saving natural and organic products, you have even more opportunities to meet busy shoppers’ needs—and boost your sales. This excellent new crop of convenience products makes getting meals on the table super easy and also supplies scrumptious, sufficient nutrition on the go.

New opportunities include fortifying your frozen foods selection, featuring healthier point-of-sale products that delight taste buds while bucking hunger and stocking innovative nosh that shoppers can easily enjoy on the road. After all, ingredient integrity in your convenience offerings is what’ll really set you apart from conventional stores.

“We’re in the business of helping to promote more sustainable food,” says Kelly Swette, owner and CEO of Sweet Earth Natural Foods, which recently debuted a line of artisan-crafted frozen entrées. “To make a difference, we have to offer food that’s convenient, but also offers that something extra. Not everyone has time to cook. So how can you offer shortcuts to prepared foods that offer affordable indulgence?”

Kashi Chimichurri Quinoa BowlKashi jumps on the plant-based meal train with this new (package-pending) frozen meal that delivers generous servings of protein-packed red quinoa sourced from a collective of family farms in Bolivia. This vegan, bright bowl is topped with an herbaceous Argentinian-inspired grilling sauce and tender, Non-GMO Project Verified veggies and lentils. SRP: $3.99

Fast lane

Chimp Food NutsWhen sitting down for a full meal is impossible, this 380-calorie meal replacement chock-full of protein, fiber and nutrients does the trick. It features a flavorful blend of raw almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios and walnuts, plus raw dates to infuse sweetness and moisture. Also check out Chimp Food’s whole-food pureed beverage brimming with 25 fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. SRP: $3.49 to $3.99

Navitas Naturals Superfood + GojiFrom a brand known for its antioxidant-packed single ingredients comes a 190-calorie snack bar filled with nutritious fruits and grains, including goji berry, pomegranate, açaí powder and quinoa. It’s a tasty way to consume wholesome foods, and with 4 grams of protein, it’ll stave off shoppers’ hunger until their next meal. SRP: $2.29

Pit stop

Goodbye, fast food. Hello, exciting new array of natural products that make it easy to eat well on hectic mornings, during rush-hour commutes and while picking the kids up from school.

10th Avenue Tea Tropical Instant Tea PowderHot tea is pretty easy to make at home. But what if you don’t have access to a microwave? That’s where this super-fine, mango-kiwi-peach-flavored green tea powder comes in. In hot or cold water, add a few shakes of this dissolvable tea powder—no tea bag needed. It’s an eco-friendly, convenient way to get in the good stuff. Bonus: Each 1.38-ounce container makes 60 cups. SRP: $10

Cucina & Amore Artichoke and Roasted PepperA cup of cooked quinoa? Great! A cup of cooked quinoa with a savory-spicy veggie sauce? Even better! Cucina & Amore wins by packaging a high-fiber, high-protein meal in a BPA-free, microwave-safe container. Two compartments separate the quinoa and sauce until ready to eat, keeping the grains from getting soggy. Oh, and there’s a spoon included, too! Also check out the fantastic Mango & Jalapeno flavor. SRP: $3.50 to $4.50

Slingshot PowerplantWe can’t think of a better breakfast. Each bottle of this drinkable, high-protein yogurt—supercharged with spinach, pineapple and ginger extract—is wrapped in a tube of nutrient-dense granola made with toasted oats, chia seeds, almonds and honey. Dump the granola into the yogurt, and you’ve got a dreamy, creamy beverage with a satisfying crunch. SRP: $4.79